Tom Hasting from Santa Fe, NM

Dear Jay, Thanks for the newsletter. Under separate cover (i.e. when I get my next paycheck) I'll be sending an order for some inks & bases. In the entering, a few completely unsolicited comments on the "Painting Tips Column".

1) I must disagree with the blanket statement "Sable is the worst for miniatures."

Certainly the cost of white nylon is easier than red sable, however both the medium used and the scale of the figure being painted, must be taken into account.

For me personally I have run into problems with nylon brushes. First I use a combination of enamels, acrylics and oils in painting miniatures. Nylon brushes do not last well when painting with enamels & oils, nor do retain paint. This becomes very important when painting 1/35 scale a 54mm figure or any of the oversize "creature feature" type miniatures on the market.

Additionally I have found nylon brushes to "stain" after 4-5 uses, a problem I have never encountered with red sable.

In short, the painter must look at both the paint he is using and the size of the figure. I have red sable brushes five years old that still work wonderfully. Something I can't say about nylon brushes. As a result I consider my sable brushes to have been worthwhile investment, one that has paid off in their longevity.

2) To your mix of brushes I would at least one 8/0 + one 10/0. When paint­ing in 20mm and 25mm scale, using a 5/0 brush will result in your "details" being overscale. While this is not as much of a problem on GW figures (while average 28-30mm), with most other 25's it can ruin an oth­erwise excellent paint job.

Furthermore, if one is painting miniatures for competition the use of the finer brushes is called, since overscale figure details will result in being left out the winner's circle.

Last, but not least, every serious miniature painter should have one chisel point brush on their table.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my comments.

Jay Replies:

I was thrilled to receive Tom's letter. He had offered some good points.

1) Last Issue article of brushes was written with acrylics in mind. Your point on nylon brushes when used with enamels & oils is dead on. It is true, nylon brush stains after use. I have never found this a problem,

2) I'm not apt to agree that the brush size effects detail resulting in detail being overscale. Other than size a brush quality, ability to hold a sharp point and pressure also contribute to quality of detail.

The use of a chisel point brush falls under personal choice (style). I've never felt a chisel point was needed.

Readers should try as many different techniques as possible. Through this practice, miniature painters develop a personal style.

I look forward to hearing from other readers as well.